3. Slalom Consulting
When it comes to the Best Firms to Work For, there are flashes in the pan and then there are steady and consistent risers. Slalom Consulting surely falls into the latter category. The firm's trajectory has been nothing short of amazing.
In 2007, Slalom made its Best Firms to Work For debut. Back then, before we launched the Best Small Firms to Work For, Slalom had 360 billable consultants. After a two-year hiatus, it was back with the same ranking in 2010.
That year, Slalom had 878 billable consultants. The next four years, the firm was ranked No. 6, No. 5 and No. 4, respectively. So, is it really any surprise this year Slalom settles in at No. 3?
There's no doubt this is a firm hitting its stride. Today, Slalom is a $550 million consultancy with 2,400 billable consultants, organically grown and employee owned. Its purpose remains rooted in creating a differentiated consulting experience, says John Tobin, Co-Founder and President, Slalom North America.
"We were founded on the principal that we do the right thing, always," Tobin says. "It's at the very heart of who we are as individuals and as a company. We will never stray from that." A fact that seems obvious based on its rankings. Since the firm was launched in 2001, two differentiators, Tobin says, were its culture and commitment to work/life balance. On the survey, Slalom topped the Culture category, and finished second in Work/Life Balance and Leadership.
"Being named a Best Firm to Work For is a testament to the unique culture we've created at Slalom—one that enables our people to produce amazing work for our clients," Tobin says. "We are proud to receive this honor and believe many consultants seek us out because of it. Our clients give us feedback that our consultants are engaged, energized and care more about their success than our competition. I think being a Best Firm helps set the stage for this."
When it comes to Work/Life Balance, Slalom has a commitment to a "no unwanted travel" policy that has helped create a unique work environment, Tobin says. Employees are also encouraged to take a sabbatical benefit, which allows a month off at 75 percent pay every three years.
As for the future, Tobin says employees were the driving force behind the new 2015 Strategy Evolution that includes new branding, new markets, collaboration efforts, career pillars and an additional emphasis on diversity and inclusion, as well as corporate citizenship.
"Our model and firm mentality is built around the understanding that we are greater than the sum of our parts," Tobin says. "This is where we really differentiate."
When you look at the remainder of this year and 2015, what opportunities do you see?
John Tobin, Co-Founder and President, Slalom North America, says: "We see a great opportunity to execute even more seamlessly as one team across our markets and solution centers. There is strong momentum behind our strategic plan, and movement toward better collaboration and cohesion between the offices. We feel this focus over the next two years will raise our game that much more for our consultants and clients. The other huge opportunity is launching London as our first international office. Finding the right pace that allows us to truly embrace the British culture while staying true to Slalom will be critical to our long-term success. We expect to learn a lot through this process that will help shape the global future for Slalom in the years to come."
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